Sinn Féin TD, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire has said that there is an urgent need for a second driving test centre to service Cork City and the surrounding area, and Minister for Transport Shane Ross has agreed to ask the RSA about the potential of a second centre.

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD

“People in Cork City, and the surrounding areas are waiting inordinate lengths of time to get a driving test. It has become absolutely farcical, and very unfair on learner drivers.”

“The average wait for the driving test centre is 16 weeks, and the longest wait is 25 weeks. That is to say that people are usually waiting three and a half months for a test, but with some cases of almost six months – often those who have limited flexibility as to when, such as people working 9-5.”

“The waiting times at this centre, are some of the highest in the state, and the issue of waiting times must be addressed.

“I raised the matter with Minister Ross this evening in the Dáil chamber and he has agreed to ask the RSA to look into the matter.

“It is a very unfair situation. We are demanding higher and higher standards of learner drivers, and expecting that they do not drive unaccompanied, the least we can do in return, is to ensure they can get a test within a reasonable time, rather than, if they fail, be waiting a year before they have their licence.

“I hope to hear back from Minister Ross, and will continue to pursue this matter further.”